LONG-LIVED STATESMEN.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1583, 1 April 1887, Page 3

LONG-LIVED STATESMEN.

The longevity of famous statesmen is remarkable. Imagine L~>rd Palmerstou acting vigorously as Prime Minister of England when over SO, governing the great British Empire with steady hand, and making speeches three hours long in the House of Commons, and rising next day fresh as a man of 40! Think of the venerable Gruizot, the French statesman, who at the age of 87 was still writing histories, presiding over religious conventions, and carrying on lively discussions in the French Academy. The late Lord Lyndhursfc made able speeches in the House of Lords when he had passed his 90th year ; and his long-time rival, Lord Brougham, wrote his autobiography, in three goodly volumes, when he had nearly reached 90 years. The Marquis of Lansdowne, who, as Lord Henry Pettv, was a leading member of the "All'.he Talents" Cabinet, of which Charles James Fox was the chief, in 1806, was still an active member of the House of Lords nearly sixty years later, in 1863, and died in that year at the age of 83. The Duke of Wellington took part in pubV affairs until his death in 1852 in his 83rd year.

In former generations energetic statesmen of advanced years are found thickly scattered through the pages of hit-tory. There was the old Marquis of Winchester, who could remember Edward IV., the first York Sovereign, in 1453, and who, when he died in 1572 at the age of 97, wis holding office under Queen Elizabeth. Referring to the statesmen of our own country, it is a familiar fact that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the second and third Presidents, both died the 4th of July, 182b\ just halt a century from the day on which both signed the Declaration of Independence —Adams being 01 and Jefferson 83. President Andrew Jackson lived to be 82, John Quincy Adams to be 81, and Madison 85.—American Youth's Companion.